Hepatitis A - the facts

A growing number of Australians have been infected with hepatitis A, believed to be caused by eating contaminated frozen berries from China.

As the food scare spreads, Nanna's and Creative Gourmet berries are being pulled from supermarket shelves.

A recall has been issued on Nanna's 1kg mixed berry and raspberry packs with a best before date up to November 22 next year, also Creative Gourmet 300g mixed berry packs up to December 10, 2017 and 500g packs up to October 6, 2017. Anyone with any of these products in their freezer should discard them or return them to the shop for a possible refund.

Wendy Cheng, liver researcher and associate of the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, said it was surprising berries were seemingly the source of the hepatitis A scare. Usually the disease was associated with meat or seafood.

It was endemic in many developing countries so people born in those countries were usually immune, she said. Those born in Australia, however, were unlikely to have Hepatitis A antibodies so would be vulnerable to exposure.

Hepatitis A is passed on through food or water contaminated by faeces from an infected person.

Dr Cheng said elderly people were particularly at risk, as were people with pre-existing chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis C.

While it was on rare occasions fatal, Dr Cheng said people with Hepatitis A usually recovered well with no ongoing health issues.

The Australian Red Cross Bloos Service asked people who have possibly been infected and have given blood since the start of November last year to contact the service on 13 14 95. If you are at risk of the infection and wish to donate blood, ask the service for advice first.

Hepatitis A is a viral disease which affects the liver. The latest outbreak is believed to have been caused by poor hygiene among Chinese workers and potentially contaminated water supplies in China.

What is hepatitis A?

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by viruses such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G, alcohol, some chemicals, or drugs.

Hepatitis A is caused by a virus. It may also be called ‘Hep A’.

It is a different virus to hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Deaths from hepatitis A are rare but some people get very sick.

How do you get hepatitis A?

The hepatitis A virus is found in the faeces (poo) of people with the infection. It’s usually spread by close personal contact with an infected person or by eating or drinking contaminated (dirty) food or water.

Who is most at risk of hepatitis A?

People who live with someone who has hepatitis A and does not practise good hygiene, especially hand washing. Also, people who work in a job where they may be exposed to the virus, including child care and sewage workers and people who travel to other countries where hepatitis A is common.

Young children have very close contact with each other, so it’s easy for the virus to spread between children, particularly if they’re still in nappies.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms usually appear about 4 weeks after infection and include:

Tiredness, body aches and pains, loss of appetite, nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting, fever and chills, upper stomach pain usually on the right side, eyes or skin turning yellow (jaundice).

Young children often have no symptoms but most older children and adults do.

The symptoms usually last for a few weeks but the tiredness can last longer.

How do I know I have hepatitis A?

Diagnosis is based on your symptoms and confirmed by a blood test showing IgM antibodies to hepatitis A. If you suspect you or your child has hepatitis A, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Treatment of hepatitis A

Talk to your doctor. There is no special treatment for hepatitis A. Most people get well on their own after a few months but a few older children and adults may need to go to hospital. Lots of rest and a good diet help. You can only get hepatitis A once.

While you have the disease

People who must not go to work at least one week after jaundice develops include those who handle food or drink professionally, child care or healthcare workers and swimming instructors. Check with your doctor. If you have hepatitis A, don’t prepare or handle other people’s food.

How can hepatitis A be prevented?

Hand washing and hygiene: Always wash your hands (use soap and rub hands together really well for 15 seconds) after going to the toilet, after changing nappies and before eating or preparing food.

The hepatitis A virus can survive in damp places for weeks. If you or a family member has hepatitis A, you need to clean all surfaces which could have the virus on it for at least a week after jaundice develops. This includes door handles, toilet seats and handles, taps and nappy change tables.

Safer sex: Use dams (a thin latex square held over the vaginal or anal area during oral sex) to prevent spreading hepatitis A during oral or anal sex. You can get them from sexual health clinics and some chemists.

Overseas travel: If you are travelling to places where hepatitis A is common (including most developing countries), take special care to avoid infections. Be very careful when you choose or prepare food and drink. ‘Cook it, peel it, boil it or forget it’ is good advice. See your doctor and discuss your travel plans at least 6 weeks in advance.

Is there a vaccine for hepatitis A?

Yes. You need two vaccinations, six to 12 months apart for best protection. There is also a combined hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine.

Who should be vaccinated?

People travelling to places where hepatitis A is common (includes most developing countries), people living or working in remote Aboriginal communities, staff in child care centres, people with an intellectual disability and their carers, sewage workers, men who have sex with men, people with chronic liver disease. Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about hepatitis A vaccination.

HEALTH+MEDICINE VIDEOS

Health+Medicine is published every
Wednesday in The West Australian Get The West home delivered here. Call 1800 811 855

Health+Medicine is the best-read weekday
liftout in The West Australian, the clear
newspaper of choice for WA people seeking
information on health, wellbeing and fitness
products and services
- Morgan Readership Survey 12 months to 31
December 2012

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

The information on this site is not
professional medical or health advice
and must not replace such advice.
Health+Medicine strongly recommends
consulting a health care professional.

Health+Medicine is supported by a grant from Healthway (the WA Health Promotion Foundation) with the involvement of The National Heart Foundation (WA division), Cancer Council of WA, Asthma Foundation of WA, Australian Medical Association (WA), Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, FPWA Sexual Health Services, School of Population Health University of WA, Arthritis & Osteoporosis Foundation of WA and Diabetes WA.